Apparatus and method to feed livestock

ABSTRACT

A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 12/181,203 which was filed on Jul. 28, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,746,959, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/952,210, which was filed on Jul. 26, 2007, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art apparatus to feed livestock. Vehicle 100comprises cab portion 102 and trailer portion 105. In certainembodiments, cab 102 and trailer 105 comprise an integral manufacture.

Trailer portion 105 comprises feed container 110 and delivery assembly120 disposed therein. Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, feed 150 isdisposed in feed container 110 and is gravity feed into deliveryassembly 120. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, deliveryassembly 120 comprises a first auger 130 and a second auger 140. Inother embodiments, delivery assembly 120 may comprise a single auger. Instill other embodiments, delivery assembly 120 comprises a more than 2augers. In certain embodiments, multiple augers may operate in acounter-rotating fashion.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, vehicle 100 is driven to a livestock feedingsite and positioned such that feed trailer 105 is disposed adjacent feedbunk 170. Side 190 of feed trailer 105 is formed to include aperture180. Delivery assembly 120 is energized, and feed 150 is transferredfrom feed container 110, through aperture 180, across chute 160 and intofeed bunk 170.

The prior art apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, can deliver the samefeed formulation to a plurality of feeding locations. However, differentformulations cannot be delivered to different locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants' invention comprises a portable feed preparation apparatus.The portable feed apparatus comprises a feed container, a mixingassembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least onefeed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly,and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.

The invention further comprises a method using Applicants' portable feedpreparation apparatus to prepare a feed composition specific to adesignated feeding site. The invention further comprises an article ofmanufacture comprising a computer readable medium comprising computerreadable code to implement Applicants' method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in whichlike reference designators are used to designate like elements, and inwhich:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate prior art apparatus;

FIG. 2A schematically depicts one embodiment of Applicants' foodpreparation apparatus;

FIG. 2B schematically depicts a second embodiment of Applicants' foodpreparation apparatus;

FIG. 2C schematically depicts a third embodiment of Applicants' foodpreparation apparatus;

FIG. 3A illustrates Applicants' food preparation apparatus disposed in awheeled-vehicle comprising an engine;

FIG. 3B illustrates Applicants' food preparation apparatus disposed in awheeled-vehicle that does not comprise an engine;

FIG. 3C illustrates certain wireless communication devices and methodused in the apparatus of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a controller of the invention;

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a database aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing a wireless receiver used in the foodpreparation apparatus of FIGS. 2B and 2C; and

FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing a wireless visual display device usedin the food preparation apparatus of FIGS. 2B and 2C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the followingdescription with reference to the Figures, in which like numbersrepresent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout thisspecification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar languagemeans that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are recited toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventionmay be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The prior art apparatus of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C does not permitvariations of the feed formulation. What is needed is a mobile apparatusthat can provide a plurality of food formulations at a plurality offeeding stations.

Applicants' apparatus, and method using that apparatus, can provide aplurality of feed formulations at a plurality of feeding locations, logsthe actual amounts and formulations provided, and optionally generatesan alert if an actual delivered quantity differs from a pre-set targetquantity, and/or if an actual delivered feed formulation differs from apre-set target feed formulation.

Applicants' apparatus can be disposed on either the exterior or interiorof a prior art feed trailer 105. In the alternative, Applicants'apparatus can be incorporated into a new article of manufacture.

FIG. 2A illustrates embodiment 200 of Applicants' portable feedpreparation apparatus. FIG. 2B illustrates embodiment 202 of Applicants'portable feed preparation apparatus.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, Applicants' portable feedpreparation apparatus 200 comprises mixing assembly 210, motor 220,delivery auger assembly 230, motor 240, first measurement device 252,second measurement device 254, third measurement device 256, and fourthmeasurement device 258, first feed additive assembly 270, second feedadditive assembly 280, third feed additive assembly 290, and controller400.

Feed augers 130 and 140 deliver feed 150 from feed container 110 (asshown in FIG. 1B) into mixing assembly 210. Mixing assembly 210comprises mixing auger 214 disposed within mixing assembly 210. Incertain embodiments, motor 220 can cause mixing auger 214 to rotatewithin mixing assembly 210 thereby conveying feed from input augers 130and 140 to output auger assembly 230. Motor 220 is interconnected withcontroller 400 by communication link 225.

Motor 240 causes augers 232 and 234 to rotate, thereby conveying feed150 in optional combination with one or more of Feed Additive “A”,and/or Feed Additive “B”, and/or Feed Additive “C,” from augers 130/140to chute 236. In certain embodiments, Feed Additives A, B, and C, areselected from the group consisting of vitamins, parasiticides,antibiotics, probiotics, growth promoters, and the like.

Motor 240 is interconnected with, and controlled by, controller 400 viacommunication link 245. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2,delivery auger assembly 230 comprises first auger 232 and second auger234. In other embodiments, delivery auger assembly 230 comprises asingle auger.

Feed additive assembly 270 comprises container 272, valve 274, conduit276, and communication link 278. Conduit 276 interconnects valve 274 andmixing assembly 210. Communication link 278 interconnects valve 274 andcontroller 400. In certain embodiments, valve 274 comprises a totalizer,wherein that totalizer determines the weight of Feed Additive A passingthrough valve 274. In these embodiments, the weight of Feed Additive Aadded to the feed is communicated to controller 400 via communicationlink 278.

Feed additive assembly 280 comprises container 282, valve 284, conduit286, and communication link 288. Conduit 286 interconnects valve 284 andmixing assembly 210. Communication link 288 interconnects valve 284 andcontroller 400. In certain embodiments, valve 284 comprises a totalizer,wherein that totalizer determines the weight of Feed Additive B passingthrough valve 284. In these embodiments, the weight of Feed Additive Badded to the feed is communicated to controller 400 via communicationlink 288.

Feed additive assembly 290 comprises container 292, valve 294, conduit296, and communication link 978. Conduit 296 interconnects valve 294 andmixing assembly 210. Communication link 298 interconnects valve 294 andcontroller 400. In certain embodiments, valve 294 comprises a totalizer,wherein that totalizer determines the weight of Feed Additive C passingthrough valve 294. In these embodiments, the weight of Feed Additive Cadded to the feed is communicated to controller 400 via communicationlink 298.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, Applicants' apparatuscomprises three feed additive assemblies. In other embodiments,Applicants' apparatus comprises more than three feed additiveassemblies. In still other embodiments, Applicants' apparatus comprisesfewer than three feed additive assemblies.

In certain embodiments, mixing assembly 210 is mounted on aweight-sensitive platform equipped with a weigh cell 252. In theseembodiments, the weigh cell output is integrated over short timeintervals to give a rate of flow and total flow.

In certain embodiments, measurement device 252 comprises a Doppler flowmeter. Doppler flow meters emit ultrasonic signals into a flow path. Touse the Doppler effect to measure flow in a pipe, one transducertransmits an ultrasonic beam into the mixing assembly 210. The movementof materials alters the frequency of the beam reflected onto a second,receiving transducer. The frequency shift is linearly proportional tothe rate of flow of materials, and therefore, can be used to develop ananalog or digital signal proportional to flow rate.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, mixing assembly 210 is furthermounted on a weight-sensitive platform equipped with a weigh cells 254,256, and 258. In these embodiments, each weigh cell output is integratedover short time intervals to give a rate of flow and total flow.

In certain embodiments, weigh cells 254, 256, and 258, comprise Dopplerflow meters. Doppler flow meters emit ultrasonic signals into a flowpath. To use the Doppler effect to measure flow in a pipe, onetransducer transmits an ultrasonic beam into the mixing assembly 210.The movement of materials alters the frequency of the beam reflectedonto a second, receiving transducer. The frequency shift is linearlyproportional to the rate of flow of materials, and therefore, can beused to develop an analog or digital signal proportional to flow rate.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, Applicants' portable feedpreparation apparatus 202 first measurement device 252, secondmeasurement device 254, third measurement device 256, and fourthmeasurement device 258, first feed additive assembly 270, second feedadditive assembly 280, third feed additive assembly 290, and controller400. Portable feed preparation apparatus 202 further comprises motor 220which continuously moves circular belt 212. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 2B, portable feed bins 610, 620, 630, and 640, areshown disposed on moveable belt 212.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B, an operator places portablefeed bins 610, 620, 630, and 640, one at a time, onto moveable belt 212.Augers 130 and 140 deliver feed 150 into those portable feed bins.Measurement device 252 determines the weight of feed added, and providesthat weight to controller 400.

Each portable feed bin 610, 620, 630, and 640, is then movedsequentially past the discharge ends of conduits 276, 286, and 296.Controller 400 operates valves 274, 284, and 294, to regulate the amountof Feed Additives A, B, and/or C added to each of portable feed bins610, 620, 630, and 640. Measurement devices 254, 256, and 258, determinethe weights of the various Feed Additives added, and provide thoseweights to controller 400. The portable feed bins eventually slide, oneat a time, down chute 236 to the distal end of the chute.

In certain embodiments, portable feed bin 610 comprises displayapparatus 615. Similarly, portable feed bins 620, 630, and 640, comprisedisplay apparatus 625, 635, and 645, respectively. In certainembodiments, display apparatus 615 is in wireless communication withcontroller 400. In certain embodiments, display apparatus 615 visuallydisplays the weight percentage of feed 150 disposed in portable feed bin610, the weight percentage of Feed Additive A disposed in portable feedbin 610, the weight percentage of Feed Additive B disposed in portablefeed bin 610, and the weight percentage of Feed Additive C disposed inportable feed bin 610.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, Applicants' portable feed preparationapparatus 204 comprises the elements of apparatus 202 (FIG. 2B), andfurther comprises mixing apparatus 271, mixing apparatus 281, and mixingapparatus 291. Mixing apparatus 271 comprises motor 273, mixing shaft275 attached to motor 273 and extending downwardly therefrom, and aplurality of mixing blades 277 attached to a distal end of mixing shaft275. Motor 273 is in communication with controller 400 via communicationlink 279.

After a designated quantity of Feed Additive A is added to a portablefeed bin, motor 220 moves belt 212 such that the portable feed bin ispositioned beneath mixing apparatus 271. Controller 400 then lowersmixing apparatus 271 such that the plurality of mixing blades 277 extendinto the feed 150/Feed Additive A mixture. Controller 400 then energizesmotor 273 which rotates mixing shaft 275 thereby causing the one or moremixing blades 277 to mix the ingredients disposed in the portable feedbin.

Similarly, after a designated quantity of Feed Additive B is added to aportable feed bin, motor 220 moves belt 212 such that the portable feedbin is positioned beneath mixing apparatus 281. Controller 400 thenlowers mixing apparatus 281 such that the plurality of mixing blades 287extend into the feed 150/Feed Additive A/Feed Additive B mixture.Controller 400 then energizes motor 283 which rotates mixing shaft 285thereby causing the one or more mixing blades 287 to mix the ingredientsdisposed in the portable feed bin.

Similarly, after a designated quantity of Feed Additive C is added to aportable feed bin, motor 220 moves belt 212 such that the portable feedbin is positioned beneath mixing apparatus 291. Controller 400 thenlowers mixing apparatus 291 such that the plurality of mixing blades 297extend into the feed 150/Feed Additive A/Feed Additive B/Feed Additive Cmixture. Controller 400 then energizes motor 293 which rotates mixingshaft 295 thereby causing the one or more mixing blades 297 to mix theingredients disposed in the portable feed bin.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, Applicants' portable feedpreparation apparatus 200 or Applicants' portable feed preparationapparatus 202, is disposed within housing 310. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 3A, housing 310 is disposed on the left side ofpowered/wheeled vehicle 300. In certain embodiments, powered vehicle 300comprises an internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, housing310 is disposed on the right side of powered/wheeled vehicle 300. In yetother embodiments, housing 310 is disposed on a rear portion ofpowered/wheeled vehicle 300.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3B, housing 310 is disposed on theleft side of an unpowered/wheeled vehicle 305, i.e. trailer 305. Asthose skilled in the art will appreciate, trailer 305 can be releasablyattached to a powered vehicle via trailer arm 330. In other embodiments,housing 310 is disposed on the right side of trailer 305. In yet otherembodiments, housing 310 is disposed on a rear portion of trailer 305.

Housing 310 comprises door assembly 320 which permits access to feedadditive assemblies 270, 280, and 290, as well as access to controller400. Housing 310 is formed to include aperture 330 extendingtherethrough. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, feed chute 236extends outwardly through aperture 330.

Referring now to FIG. 4, controller 400 comprises processor 410, memory420 interconnected with processor 410 via communication link 425,optional GPS module 430 interconnected with processor 410 viacommunication link 435, optional RFID module 440 interconnected withprocessor 410 via communication link 445, and optional “WI-FI” module450 interconnected with processor 410 via communication link 455.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, GPS module 430 comprises awireless device that receives a plurality of signals from a plurality ofGPS satellites, and determines a location for the GPS device using thatplurality of signals. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, WI-FImodule 450 comprises a wireless network communication module.

In certain embodiments, processor 410 is interconnected by communicationlink 415 to an external data input device, such as and withoutlimitation, a pointing device, mouse, key board, touch screen, and thelike. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3B, external controller 460is disposed in cab portion of Applicants' feed truck 300. In certainembodiments, external controller 460 communicates with processor 410 viacommunication link 415. In other embodiments, external controller 460communicates with processor 410 wirelessly.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, microcode 422, instructions424, and database 426, are encoded in memory 420. In certainembodiments, memory 420 comprises non-volatile memory. In certainembodiments, memory 420 comprises battery backed up RAM, a magnetic harddisk assembly, an optical disk assembly, and/or electronic memory. By“electronic memory,” Applicants mean a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SMARTMEDIA,FLASHMEDIA, and the like.

Processor 410 uses microcode 422 to operate controller 400. Processor410 uses microcode 422, instructions 424, and database 426, to operateGPS module 430, RFID module 440, WI-FI module 450, augers 130 and 140,mixing assembly 210, motor 220, delivery assembly 230, measurementdevices 252, 254, 256, and 258, and valves 272, 284, and 294.

Referring now to FIGS. 2B, 3C, 4, 6A and 6B, in certain embodimentsdisplay apparatus 615 comprises wireless receiver 640, antenna 650, anddisplay device 660. In certain embodiments, display device 660 comprisesan LCD display which receives both an information signal and power fromwireless receiver 640.

In certain embodiments, wireless receiver 640 comprises an RFID devicecomprising a resonant radio frequency (RF) circuit 642. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A, resonant circuit 642 comprises coilantenna 644 and a capacitor 646 which together form the resonant circuit642 with a predetermined resonant frequency, i.e., the selected radiofrequency deriving from the values represented by the coil 644 and thecapacitor 646.

Receiver 640 further includes battery 641 and an integrated circuit (IC)648 which comprises a logic portion. The IC 648 is electricallyconnected to the resonant circuit 642. It is noted that the capacitor642 may be either external to the IC 648 or within the IC 648, dependingon the desired implementation of the circuit 642. The IC 648 includes aprogrammable memory 645 for storing information received from RFIDmodule 440 disposed within controller 400.

In certain embodiments, RFID module 440 wireless provides to displayapparatus 615 the total weight of material disposed in portable feed bin610, the weight percentage of feed 150 disposed in portable feed bin610, the weight percentage of Feed Additive A disposed in portable feedbin 610, the weight percentage of Feed Additive B disposed in portablefeed bin 610, and the weight percentage of Feed Additive C disposed inportable feed bin 610. That information is then displayed on displaydevice 660.

In operation, an operator positions Applicants' vehicle 300, orApplicants' trailer 305, adjacent to a designated feeding site. Incertain embodiments, the operator signals controller 400 to begindelivery of a pre-set feed formulation to the selected feed bunk byactivating a switch/touch screen/icon disposed on external controller460 (FIG. 3C). In certain embodiments, controller 400 verifies using GPSmodule 430 and the feeding site location recited in database 426. GPSmodule 430, using optional antenna 432, determines the actual locationof vehicle 300 and compares that actual location to the location for theselected feed bunk recited in database 426. In certain embodiments,controller 400 verifies the formulation using RFID module 440, whereinmodule 440 emits an interrogating signal and receives using antenna 442a response signal identifying the adjacent feed bunk.

In certain embodiments, the method compares the actual feeding sitelocation with the designated feeding site location recited in database426. If the actual feeding site location differs from the designatedfeeding site location, the method generates a Location Alert. TheLocation Alert is added to database 426. In certain embodiments,controller 400 provides the Location Alert to external controller 460,and external controller 460 emits an audible alert and/or visuallydisplays an alert message. In certain embodiments, the Location Alert isprovided wirelessly to a central feed lot server using WI-FI module 450and optional antenna 452, and/or to a portable feed bin display deviceusing RFID module 440.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, database 426 comprises (N)formulations. Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, in the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 5, database 426 recites that a pre-set quantity of1000 pounds of feed 150 are targeted for delivery to the North FeedBunk. Database 426 further recites that 950 pounds were actuallydelivered to the North Feed Bunk. In certain embodiments of Applicants'apparatus and method, measurement device 252 determines the amount ofbase feed 150 delivered at designated location.

Processor 410 enters that actual delivered amount into database 426. Incertain embodiments, the actual weight of feed delivered is wirelesslyprovided to a central feed lot server using WI-FI module 450 andoptional antenna 452, and/or to a portable feed bin display device usingRFID module 440.

Further in the illustrated embodiment database 426 in FIG. 5, thenominal delivery window for delivery of base feed to the North Feed Bunkis +/−ten percent (10%). Because the actual amount delivered, i.e. 950pounds, is within the predetermined nominal window of 900 pounds to 1100pounds, no alert was generated with respect to the amount of base feeddelivered to the North Feed Bunk.

Further in the illustrated embodiment database 426 in FIG. 5, Additive Ais to be added to the base feed to give a loading of 5 weight percent.In certain embodiments, controller 400 determines the weight of AdditiveA to be added to the base feed using database 426. Controller 400 opensvalve 274, thereby causing Additive A to flow from container 272,through valve 274, through conduit 276, and into the mixing assembly210, or a portable feed bin. Measurement device 254 determines theactual amount of Additive A added to the base feed delivered to theNorth Feed Bunk, and provides that weight to controller 400. In certainembodiments, the actual weight of Additive A added is wirelesslyprovided to a central feed lot server using WI-FI module 450 andoptional antenna 452, and/or to a portable feed bin display device usingRFID module 440.

In certain embodiments, controller 400 calculates a weight percentloading of Additive A in the base feed using the weights provided bymeasurement devices 252 and 254. In certain embodiments, controller 400then inserts the actual weight percent of Additive A in the base feedinto database 426. In certain embodiments, controller 400 furtherdetermines if the actual loading of Additive A is within the nominalwindow for Additive A.

Similarly, controller 400 calculates a weight percent loading ofAdditive B in the base feed using the weights provided by measurementdevices 254 and 256, and a weight percent loading of Additive C in thebase feed using the weights provided by measurement devices 256 and 258.

The nominal delivery window for Additive A at the North Feed Bunk is+/−ten percent (10%). Because the actual 3 weight percent loading ofAdditive A is outside the pre-determined nominal window of 4.5 weightpercent to 5.5 weight percent, in certain embodiments, controller 400generates an Additive A Alert with respect to the amount of added to thebase feed delivered to the North Feed Bunk. The Additive A Alert isadded to database 426. In certain embodiments, controller 400 providesthe Additive A Alert to external controller 460, and external controller460 emits an audible alert and/or visually displays an alert message. Incertain embodiments, the Additive A Alert is provided wirelessly to acentral feed lot server using WI-FI module 450 and optional antenna 452,and/or to a portable feed bin display device using RFID module 440.

Controller 400 similarly determines the loadings of additionaladditives, such as for example Additive B and/or Additive C, usingdatabase 426, and opens the one or more corresponding valves, such asvalves 284 and/or 294. Weigh cells 256 and/or 258 determine the actualweights of Additives B and C, respectively, added to the feedformulation, and provide those actual weights to controller 400.Controller 400 then calculates the actual weight percent loadings ofAdditives B and/or C, determines if the actual weight percent loadingsfall within pre-set nominal windows, and optionally generates, records,and provides an alert for Additive B and/or Additive C if the actualloadings are not within the designated pre-set nominal windows. Incertain embodiments, the Additive B Alert and/or Additive C Alert isprovided wirelessly to a central feed lot server using WI-FI module 450and optional antenna 452, and/or to a portable feed bin display deviceusing RFID module 440.

In certain embodiments, instructions, such as instructions 424 (FIG. 4)residing in computer readable medium 420 (FIG. 4), are executed by aprocessor, such as processor 410 (FIG. 4), to prepare and dispense adesignated feed composition at a designated feeding site usingApplicants' portable feed preparation apparatus.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications andadaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

We claim:
 1. A method for distributing a feed formulation from a mobilefeeding apparatus, comprising a mixing assembly comprising a first augerthat receives a feed from a feed container, a first feed additiveremoveably disposed in a first feed additive container disposed aboveand in flowable connection with said mixing assembly via a firstvertical conduit which includes a first valve, a second feed additiveremoveably disposed in a second feed additive container disposed aboveand in flowable connection with said mixing assembly via a secondvertical conduit which includes a second valve, a second auger to conveysaid feed in optional combination with said first feed additive and/orsaid second feed additive from said first auger to a discharge chute,said method comprising: disposing said portable feed preparationapparatus adjacent a designated feeding site; disposing said feed intosaid mixing assembly; and opening said first valve thereby causing saidfirst feed additive to flow from said first feed additive container,through said first valve, through said first conduit, and into saidmixing assembly; dispensing said feed in combination with said firstfeed additive from said portable feed apparatus to said designatedfeeding site.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said portable feedpreparation apparatus further comprises a controller and a measurementdevice in communication with said controller, wherein said controllercomprises a processor in communication with a memory comprising adatabase, wherein said database associates a first quantity of feed andsaid second quantity of said feed additive with said designated feedingsite, further comprising: retrieving said first quantity from saiddatabase; measuring using said measurement device an actual quantity offeed dispensed into said mixing assembly; comparing said first quantityof feed and said actual quantity of feed; and generating an alert ifsaid first quantity of feed differs from said actual quantity of feed.3. The method of claim 2, further comprising recording said actualquantity of feed in said database.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising recording said actual quantity of first feed additive in saiddatabase.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said database furtherassociates a nominal window for said first feed additive with saiddesignated feeding site, wherein said comparing further comprises whensaid amount of said first feed additive from said database and saidactual quantity of first feed additive differ, comparing said nominalwindow with said actual quantity of first feed additive.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein said generating further comprises issuing an alertwhen said actual quantity of first feed additive is outside said nominalwindow.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said portable feed preparationapparatus further comprises a global positioning system (“GPS”) modulein communication with said controller, and wherein said databasecomprises a designated location for said designated feeding site, saidmethod further comprising: retrieving said designated location from saiddatabase; determining using said GPS module an actual location;comparing said designated location with said actual location; andgenerating an alert if said designated location differs from said actuallocation.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said portable feedpreparation apparatus further comprises a wireless network communicationmodule, further comprising: wirelessly providing said actual quantity offeed to a computing device external to said portable feed apparatususing said wireless network communication module; and wirelesslyproviding said actual location to a computing device external to saidportable feed apparatus using said wireless network communicationmodule.
 9. The method of claim 2, wherein said measurement device is aweigh cell, the method further comprising determining a rate of flow.10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a total flowoutput from said portable feed preparation apparatus over a timeinterval.